Research Fellow — Urban Sensing & Liveable Cities

Singapore Management University; Singapore; On-site; SGD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Singapore Management University (SMU) invites applications for a Research Fellow to join the SMU Urban Institute. The role focuses on field-based, wearable-sensing research to study residents’ experiences of urban density and neighborhood amenities in Singapore.

You will implement surveys, manage sensor data, and collaborate with government and community stakeholders to align research with planning needs. The project spans qualitative and quantitative methods, data quality assurance, project

Qualifications

• PhD in urban planning, urban studies, urban informatics, built environment, geography, environmental psychology or closely related field.
• Hands-on field data collection using wearables and mobile sensing (e.g. Apple Watch, GPS, ecological momentary assessments).
• Experience translating field evidence into planning- or policy-relevant insights.
• Strong mixed-methods skills across study design, recruitment and quantitative sensor/survey analysis.
• Excellent written communication demonstrated through published work.
• Experience coordinating multi-stakeholder or multi-agency projects, including government/planning agencies.
• Interest in smart cities, urban density, liveability, health, and related debates in (Southeast) Asian cities.

Responsibilities

• Conduct qualitative and field research design, pilot surveys, recruitment, and participant support across two neighbourhoods.
• Manage quantitative sensing data from wearables and mobile sensors; ensure data quality and integrate datasets.
• Coordinate with PIs and stakeholders; assist with administrative tasks such as IRB approvals; organise workshops.
• Draft academic papers and contribute to final project outputs.
• Oversee research assistants and fieldwork support; handle ad hoc project tasks.

Skills

Field research

Mixed-methods research

Project coordination

Written communication

Stakeholder engagement

Interest in smart cities

Education

PhD in urban planning / related field

PhD in data science / wearables / engineering (alternative)

Tools

Apple Watch

GPS

ECG

EEG

EDA

Job description

Singapore Management University (SMU) invites applications for a Research Fellow to join the SMU Urban Institute. The role focuses on field-based, wearable-sensing research to study residents’ experiences of urban density and neighborhood amenities in Singapore.

You will implement surveys, manage sensor data, and collaborate with government and community stakeholders to align research with planning needs. The project spans qualitative and quantitative methods, data quality assurance, project